Gemotions

The soccer field stretched before Ethan, a canvas of green that held no joy. The cheering of his teammates was a distant buzz. Coach Rodriguez had called him over after practice, the words a cold shock: *"We need you at right back, Ethan."* He had always been a striker, the one who scored the goals.

He jogged out to the field, his steps heavy. The ball felt like a burden. He tried to focus, but his mind kept wandering. Every pass felt off, every run felt pointless. He hated the way the other players looked at him, their words of encouragement echoing in the vast emptiness inside him. He felt utterly and completely lost.